April 4 workshops designed to help people learn how to drive the diverging diamond interchange at I-75

Two sessions at Everglades University will present the same information and provide opportunities to talk with FDOT staff

The diverging diamond is expected to be completed no later than this summer, FDOT staff has reported. Image courtesy FDOT

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is inviting members of the public to attend an April 4 workshop that will provide details on the upcoming traffic pattern change from a conventional interchange to a diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 75 and University Parkway in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

During a joint meeting last week, the commissions of the two counties learned that the diverging diamond is scheduled to open no later than this summer.

A series of workshops has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 4, at Everglades University, which is located at 6001 Lake Osprey Drive in Sarasota, an FDOT news release says. The sessions will be held in the Osprey Room on the second floor of the building, the release adds.

The first workshop is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.; the second, at 5 p.m. Each will feature the same information, the release points out. During the first half hour, participants will review project exhibits and have an opportunity to speak with FDOT staff, the release notes. Afterward, participants will be able to view “an informative presentation about the project and the implementation of the new traffic pattern,” with a question-and-answer period to follow, the release says.

An aerial map shows the location of Everglades University. Image from Google Maps

FDOT’s diverging diamond interchange will include the addition of an auxiliary lane on both northbound and southbound I-75, new bridges on I-75 over University Parkway, the widening of University Parkway, the widening of the I-75 bridges over Erie Creek and Foley Creek, and the realignment of on and off-ramps at the interchange of I-75 and University Parkway, as well as drainage improvements, new lighting and signalization, construction of a noise wall on the west side of I-75, sidewalks, bike lanes and pedestrian walkways, the release explains.